The Documentary

{{other uses|Documentary (disambiguation)}}

{{Infobox album

| name = The Documentary

| type = studio

| artist = the Game

| cover = Game-the-documentary.jpg

| border = yes

| alt =

| released = {{Start date|2005|1|18}}

| recorded = 2003–2004

| studio = {{hlist|Record One (Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles)|Can-Am Studios (Tarzana, Los Angeles)|The Record Room and Hit Factory Criteria (Miami, Florida)|Baseline (New York City)|TekLab Studios (Cincinnati, Ohio)|54 Sound (Detroit)|Larrabee Sound (North Hollywood, Los Angeles)}}

| genre = {{hlist|West Coast hip hop|gangsta rap|R&B|conscious hip-hop}}

| length = 69:57

| label = {{flatlist|

}}

| producer = {{flatlist|

}}

| prev_title = Untold Story

| prev_year = 2004

| next_title = Doctor's Advocate

| next_year = 2006

| misc = {{Extra album cover

| header = Alternate cover

| type = studio

| cover = Thadocspecial.jpg

| border = yes

| alt =

| caption = Special edition cover

}}{{Singles

| name = The Documentary

| type = studio

| single1 = Westside Story

| single1date = September 7, 2004

| single2 = How We Do

| single2date = October 30, 2004

| single3 = Hate It or Love It

| single3date = January 22, 2005

| single4 = Higher

| single4date = March 15, 2005

| single5 = Dreams

| single5date = May 28, 2005

| single6 = Put You on the Game

| single6date = August 30, 2005

}}

}}

The Documentary is the debut studio album by American rapper the Game. It was released on January 18, 2005, by Aftermath Entertainment, G-Unit Records, and Interscope Records. The record serves as his major-label debut, preceded by his independently released debut Untold Story in 2004. In 2001, while the Game was in hospital recovering from a shooting, he decided to pursue a career in music. He released the mixtape, "Q.B. 2 Compton" under his then record label "Get Low Recordz" in 2002, which was later discovered by Dr. Dre and led to him signing the Game to his label, Aftermath Entertainment. The album includes production from high-profile producers such as Dr. Dre, Kanye West, Scott Storch and Timbaland, among others, and guest appearances from 50 Cent, Eminem, Nate Dogg and Faith Evans, among others. This would be the Game's only album on Aftermath and G-Unit Records, as he left the label later in 2006 after a feud began between him and fellow G-Unit label-mate 50 Cent.

The Documentary debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, selling 586,000 units in its first week. In March 2005, the Recording Industry Association of America certified the album double Platinum, and by November 2005 the album sold 2.5 million copies in the U.S. The Documentary received generally positive reviews, with critics praising the album's production. It is also often debated by critics between itself and Doctor's Advocate as Game's best album.

Since the album's release, the Game was credited as a "driving force" in reviving the once-dominant West Coast hip hop scene that had since been overshadowed by artists from the East, Midwest and South during the early 2000s. The Documentary remains the Game's best-selling album to date. On June 16, 2014, the Game announced a sequel to the album, The Documentary 2, which was released on October 9, 2015, followed by the release of The Documentary 2.5 a week later.

Recording

After the Game signed with G-Unit, he recorded nine songs with fellow American rapper 50 Cent in his home studio in Farmington, Connecticut, and then went back to Los Angeles, California to complete the album with American record producer Dr. Dre.Reid, Shaheem (March 1, 2005). "[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1497638/20050301/50_cent.jhtml 50 Cent and The Game — Doomed from the Very Beginning?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717162748/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1497638/20050301/50_cent.jhtml |date=2009-07-17 }}". MTV. Accessed October 4, 2007.Reid, Shaheem (February 25, 2005). "[http://www.mtv.com/bands/123/50_cent/news_feature_022505/index3.jhtml All Eyes on 50 Cent: The Sequel] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012174919/http://www.mtv.com/bands/123/50_cent/news_feature_022505/index3.jhtml |date=2007-10-12 }}". MTV. Accessed October 4, 2005. While continuing the recording sessions on the album, he began working with rapper and record producer Kanye West on a song, where Kanye did the chorus. However, the song was left on the cutting room floor.{{Cite web | title = Game Recalls Losing To Kanye West In A Rap Battle | date = 26 November 2012 | publisher = HipHop DX | url = http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.22004/title.game-recalls-losing-to-kanye-west-in-a-rap-battle/ | access-date = 27 November 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121128223038/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.22004/title.game-recalls-losing-to-kanye-west-in-a-rap-battle/ | archive-date = 28 November 2012 | url-status = live }} The Game was also inspired to revive the hip hop scene in the West Coast, which had been overshadowed since its heyday in the 1990s by rappers from the East and the South."[https://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/18/arts/music/18game.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5090&en=8bc3a135e64836f5&ex=1263790800&partner=rssuserland The New Game in Town Generates West Coast Buzz] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150420034315/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/18/arts/music/18game.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5090&en=8bc3a135e64836f5&ex=1263790800&partner=rssuserland |date=2015-04-20 }}". The New York Times. Accessed September 7, 2007. In 2005, in the interview with Vibe magazine, 50 Cent stated that he was brought in by the Interscope Records to work on the album, claiming that was on the verge of being shelved and the Game was being dropped from the label. However, in the interview with Funkmaster Flex, the Game said that his status was never uncertain that he would be dropped from the label.Rodriguez, Jayson (March 1, 2005). "[https://web.archive.org/web/20050306234231/http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=4129 Update: Man Shot Not with 50 Cent; Violator Offices Shot Up]". AllHipHop. Accessed October 3, 2007. 50 Cent also wrote 6 choruses of The Documentary{{'}}s eighteen tracks—"Hate It or Love It", "How We Do", "Church for Thugs", "Special", "Higher", and "Westside Story"Berrios, Martin A. (June 27, 2007). "[http://allhiphop.com/blogs/features/archive/2007/06/27/18191339.aspx Streets is Watching: 50 Cent Part Two]. and{{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070914110948/http://allhiphop.com/blogs/features/archive/2007/06/27/18191339.aspx |date=2007-09-14 }}". AllHipHop. Accessed October 3, 2007—and didn't receive proper credit for his work.Susman, Gary (March 9, 2005). "[http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1036677,00.html How We Do] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020231027/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1036677,00.html |date=2012-10-20 }}". Entertainment Weekly. Accessed February 18, 2008.

Music

=Lyrics=

The Game for the album recorded tracks based on his life experiences from his childhood to his success as a rapper. When asked about the album, he stated: {{blockquote|I grew up in a boys home and I was taken away from my parents when I was like 8 years old... Here I am, 24. When my album drops I will be 25 so that's 17 years I have been going through my struggle by myself. There are 17 tracks on my album and every track sheds light on a different situation I went through the last 17 years.Reid, Sheheem (December 6, 2004). "[http://www.mtv.com/bands/g/game/news_feature_120604/ Shady/ Aftermath/ G-Unit: The Family Stand] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070913092800/http://www.mtv.com/bands/g/game/news_feature_120604/ |date=2007-09-13 }}". MTV. Accessed September 7, 2007.}} The rapper commented on the album's perception before its release, saying, "I know everybody was expecting gang-bang, 40-ounce, low-rider music, but that's not what I gave them... I'm telling a real story, and maybe there are people out there who can relate to my experiences." Rolling Stone observed that "every song has a well-massaged hook and some immediate appeal, and verses that don't waste a lot of time getting to the point."

=Production=

The Documentary{{'}}s big budget production from high-profile hip hop producers was well received from critics.McKeating, Scott (January 28, 2005). "[http://www.stylusmagazine.com/review.php?ID=2696 The Documentary Review] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006172259/http://www.stylusmagazine.com/review.php?ID=2696 |date=2012-10-06 }}". Stylus magazine. Accessed October 1, 2007. The first half of the album contains "upbeat, gangsta boogie" tracks with the other half relegating "smoothed out R&B maneuvers".D., Spence (February 2, 2005). "[http://au.music.ign.com/articles/584/584934p1.html The Documentary] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314232421/http://au.music.ign.com/articles/584/584934p1.html |date=2012-03-14 }}". IGN. Accessed October 7, 2007. At seven tracks, Dr. Dre co-executive produced the album with his "stripped-down cinematic" approach. "Westside Story" contains an "evil sounding piano plink", "Dreams" has a "simultaneously smooth and eerie" beat, and "Hate It or Love It" unveils a "smoothed out R&B funk vibe". "Higher" revolves around a pounding synth blast and "How We Do" contains syncopated hand claps with a beat described as "a hypnotic blast of sinister seduction powered by a deliciously primitive 808 pattern and a slinky synth."Rabin, Nathan (January 24, 2005). "[http://www.avclub.com/content/node/15960 The Documentary Review] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071010031753/http://www.avclub.com/content/node/15960 |date=2007-10-10 }}". The A.V. Club. Accessed October 7, 2007. "Don't Need Your Love" samples Mary J. Blige's "Not Gon Cry" and is one of the album's more soulful songs.J-23 (January 16, 2005). "[http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.501/title.the-game-the-documentary The Game - The Documentary] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100730212413/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.501/title.the-game-the-documentary |date=2010-07-30 }}". HipHopDX. Accessed October 1, 2007. "Church for Thugs" delivers a "sing-song stylee over an accentuated sonic bed" and "Put You on the Game" is a club track containing "dark dirge[s] of synth".

Although "Start from Scratch" features R&B singer Marsha Ambrosius, the beat "eschews the traditional R&B vibes" for more "aural intimidation". IGN called it "the most haunting inclusion on the album." "The Documentary" features a "busy backing track" of "crashing symphonics and tinny flares of synth", which one critic believed overshadowed the lyrics. "Runnin{{' "}} is a "dark, Stygian tune augmented by tinges of R&B mellowness." "No More Fun and Games" has a fast-paced beatHamilton, Pierre (February 15, 2005). "[http://www.popmatters.com/pm/music/reviews/18444/game-documentary/ The Documentary Review] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516225041/http://www.popmatters.com/pm/music/reviews/18444/game-documentary/ |date=2008-05-16 }}". PopMatters. Accessed September 29, 2007. that takes inspiration from early 1990s production.Juon, Steve 'Flash' (January 18, 2005). "[http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2005_01F_document.html RapReview of the Week] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412134425/http://rapreviews.com/archive/2005_01F_document.html |date=2016-04-12 }}". RapReviews. Accessed October 1, 2007. "We Ain't", which samples Dr. Dre's "The Watcher", takes Eminem's "chug laden synth gurgle" and is described as "one of the most menacingly catchy numbers on the entire album." Nate Dogg features on two "smoothed out" tracks; "Special" and the G-funk-inspired "Where I'm From".Webb, Adam (February 17, 2005). "[http://uk.launch.yahoo.com/050217/33/1xirt.html The Game - The Documentary]". Yahoo! Music. Accessed October 7, 2007. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060112001330/http://uk.launch.yahoo.com/050217/33/1xirt.html |date=January 12, 2006 }} "Don't Worry" is an R&B flavored track and despite its "minimal production", one reviewer wrote the song "still hits hard." The final track, "Like Father, Like Son", is driven by a "melodramatic, string-laden" beat. Originally, Brandy Norwood was supposed to be on "Don't Worry", but Jimmy Iovine did not want a gangsta rapper like the Game on a song with Brandy.{{cite web|url=http://uproxx.com/smokingsection/the-game-the-documentary-10-facts/|title=The Documentary' Wasn't The Original Title Of Game's First Album Plus 9 Other Little Known Facts On Its 10th Anniversary|access-date=February 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206081654/http://uproxx.com/smokingsection/the-game-the-documentary-10-facts/|archive-date=February 6, 2016|url-status=live}}

=Title=

The album's title was initially called "Nigga Witta Attitude Vol. 1" (a reference to N.W.A),"[http://www.aftermathmusic.com/_interviews/thegame_february_2004.html Interview with the Game]". Aftermath Music (January/February 2004). Accessed September 29, 2007. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012173046/http://www.aftermathmusic.com/_interviews/thegame_february_2004.html |date=October 12, 2007 }} but was changed to "The Documentary" because legal issues with an injunction filed at the request of Eazy-E's widow Tomica Woods-Wright prevented him from using N.W.A's name in the album title.

Release and promotion

File:Kool G Rap & The Game.jpg in New York City, November 2004]]

The album was initially meant to be released in October 2004; however, since the other high-profile albums—including Eminem's Encore—were to be released around the same time, it was pushed back to January 18, 2005.Reid, Sheheem (October 5, 2004). "[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1491965/20041005/story.jhtml Game Ready to Prove He's Worthy of the Hype] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090115030702/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1491965/20041005/story.jhtml |date=2009-01-15 }}". MTV. Accessed September 7, 2007. On September 28, 2004, the Game released a promotional mixtape entitled Westside Story through Aftermath Entertainment and G-Unit Records. The mixtape was used to promote his major-label debut album, The Documentary. In October 2004, the Game released his first independent album, titled Untold Story, through Get Low Recordz (owned by JT the Bigga Figga). The album sold over 82,000 copies within its first three months.{{cite magazine |url= http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/64382/the-games-documentary-blasts-off-at-no-1 |title= The Game's 'Documentary' Blasts Off At No. 1 |access-date= January 25, 2007 |author= Margo Whitmire |date= January 26, 2005 |magazine= Billboard |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140704011901/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/64382/the-games-documentary-blasts-off-at-no-1 |archive-date= July 4, 2014 |url-status= live }} The album featured artists such as Sean T, Young Noble (of the Outlawz) and JT the Bigga Figga.{{cite web |title=The Game - Untold Story Album Reviews, Songs & More |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/untold-story-mw0000144011 |website=AllMusic |access-date=14 February 2023}} The Game also appeared on various mixtapes, which has been hosted by DJ's such as DJ Kayslay, DJ Whoo Kid and DJ Clue?. The Game also released a second mixtape You Know What It Is Vol. 2 through his own record label and appeared on the video game NBA Live 2004 on a song produced by Fredwreck called "Can't Stop Me".{{cite web |url= http://www.rapnewsdirect.com/0-202-257542-00.html?tag=artistnav |title= Hip-Hop News: NBA Live 2004 & Hip Hops In The Game |access-date= January 26, 2007 |author= Robert |date= October 26, 2003 |work= Rap News Network |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160312201909/http://rapnewsdirect.com/0-202-257542-00.html?tag=artistnav |archive-date= March 12, 2016 }} On November 15, 2004, the Game released a promotional mixtape, titled Charge It to the Game: The Mixtape, through Westside Records. The tape was also used to promote The Documentary.[http://www.allmusic.com/album/r888880 The Game's Charge It to the Game: The Mixtape]{{Dead link|date=November 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}. Allmusic.

Singles

"Westside Story" was the first official single to be released from The Documentary. The song features guest vocals from American rapper 50 Cent, while the production was handled by Dr. Dre and Scott Storch. The single entered on the US Billboard Hot 100 at number 93, charted at number 55 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, and at number 29 on the Rhythmic Top 40 charts.{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-documentary-r727123/charts-awards/billboard-single |title=The Documentary Billboard Singles |access-date=February 25, 2011 |year=2005 |publisher=Allmusic}} Rolling Stone described it as "a kind of L.A. version of "In Da Club" with "a simple keyboard part, a spare 808 beat and strings that manage to sound both stressed-out and catchy." The Game has stated that this song is a tribute to Tupac Shakur, with a direct reference to him, saying "I got California love fuckin bitches to that Pac shit." The Game also makes references to Tupac's songs "California Love" and "Against All Odds". Other references includes, Nate Dogg, Tha Dogg Pound (D.P.G.) and their song "New York", Westside Connection, Michael Jackson with his album Thriller, DJ Pooh, and Kool G Rap. There is a remix featuring Snoop Dogg singing the hook and a version with both Snoop Dogg and 50 Cent on it.

"How We Do" was the second official single to be released from The Documentary. The song features guest vocals from American rapper 50 Cent, while the production was handled by Dr. Dre and Mike Elizondo. The single entered on the US Billboard Hot 100 at number four, and stayed for over four weeks. The single also charted at number two on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, at number two on the Hot Rap Tracks, at number one on the Rhythmic Top 40, at number three on the Hot Digital Songs, at number 38 on the Latin Tropical Airplay, at number 11 on the Pop 100, at number 14 on the Pop 100 Airplay, at number 14 on the Top 40 Mainstream, and at number 16 on the Top 40 Tracks charts. The single attained respectable international charting. In the United Kingdom the single entered on the UK Singles Chart at number five, in Germany the single entered on the German Singles Chart at number nine, in the Republic of Ireland the single entered on the Irish Singles Chart at number eight, and in Australia the single entered on the Australian Singles Chart at number 18. The single was an instant hit with major air play. It was also moderately successful worldwide, reaching the top twenty in most countries."[http://acharts.us/song/637 The Game and 50 Cent - How We Do] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721173828/http://acharts.us/song/637 |date=2015-07-21 }}". aCharts.us. Accessed October 27, 2007. The music video was directed by Hype Williams". The Recording Industry Association of America certified the single Gold.{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH_RESULTS&artist=game&format=ALBUM&go=Search&perPage=50 |title=RIAA – Gold & Platinum: "The Game" |access-date=February 25, 2011 |publisher=Recording Industry Association of America |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225031458/http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH_RESULTS |archive-date=February 25, 2013 }}

"Hate It or Love It" was the third official single to be released from The Documentary. The song features guest vocals from American rapper 50 Cent, while the production was handled by Cool & Dre. The single was the most popular single from the album. The single entered on the US Billboard Hot 100 at number two, charted at number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, at number one on the Hot Rap Tracks, at number six on the Hot Digital Songs, at number 39 on the Latin Tropical Airplay, at number nine on the Pop 100, at number 13 on the Pop 100 Airplay, at number one on the Rhythmic Top 40, and at number 16 on the Top 40 Mainstream charts."[http://acharts.us/song/703 The Game and 50 Cent - Hate It or Love It] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150428182404/http://acharts.us/song/703 |date=2015-04-28 }}". aCharts.us. Accessed September 27, 2007. The single attained respectable international charting. In the United Kingdom the single entered on the UK Singles Chart at number four, in Germany the single entered on the German Singles Chart at number 14, in the Republic of Ireland the single entered on the Irish Singles Chart at number five, in Australia the single entered on the Australian Singles Chart at number 23, and in Denmark the single entered the Danish Singles Chart at number 17.{{cite web |url=https://danishcharts.dk/showitem.asp?interpret=The+Game+feat%2E+50+Cent&titel=Hate+It+Or+Love+It&cat=s |title=Hate It or Love It Danish charts |access-date=February 25, 2011 |year=2005 |publisher=Danishcharts}} The track uses a sample from the song "Rubber Band" performed by the Trammps. At the 2006 Grammy Awards, it was nominated for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group and Best Rap Song."[http://www.rockonthenet.com/artists-g/game.htm The Game] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110140441/http://www.rockonthenet.com/artists-g/game.htm |date=2016-01-10 }}". Rock on the Net. Accessed October 8, 2007. The music video, which was directed by the Saline Project, was nominated at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards for Best Rap Video, but lost to Ludacris' "Number One Spot". The Recording Industry Association of America certified the single Gold.

"Dreams" was the fourth official single to be released from The Documentary. The single entered on the US Billboard Hot 100 at number 32, charted at number 12 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, at number five on the Hot Rap Tracks, at number 74 on the Hot Digital Songs, at number 62 on the Pop 100, and at number 13 on the Rhythmic Top 40. The single attained international charting. In the United Kingdom the single entered on the UK Singles Chart at number eight, in Germany the single entered on the German Singles Chart at number 71, in the Republic of Ireland the single entered on the Irish Singles Chart at number 11, and in Australia the single entered on the Australian Singles Chart at number 42. The song was produced by Kanye West. The track features a sample of "No Money Down" performed by Jerry Butler. Co-Written by Jimmy "Henchmen" Rosemonds' artist, "Beloved". The song was dedicated to Yetunde Price who was shot dead in 2003.Relic, Peter (December 12, 2006). "[http://www.vibe.com/news/news_headlines/2006/12/game_time_vol_one/ Game Time (Vol. 1)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071112235544/http://www.vibe.com/news/news_headlines/2006/12/game_time_vol_one/ |date=2007-11-12 }}". Vibe. Accessed October 5, 2007. One critic wrote the Game "sews together a soulful Martin Luther King Jr. type speech with the acerbic wit and hustler charm of Malcolm X." Phillip Atwell directed the music video. The song is also known for having an incorrect lyric in 'I woke up from that coma 2001, about the same time Dre dropped 2001'. This references the Dr. Dre album 2001, actually released in 1999. The song was placed 16th on about.com's Best Hip-Hop Songs of 2005. And had singer Mýa Harrison in the music video.

"Put You on the Game" was the fifth and final official single from The Documentary. The single was the lowest charting single from the album, reaching only at 96 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks. The single attained respectable international charting. In the United Kingdom the single entered on the UK Singles Chart at number 46, and in the Republic of Ireland the single entered on the Irish Singles Chart at number 22. The single was produced by Timbaland and co-produced by Danja. This was the first single released by the Game after his truce with 50 Cent fell apart and after the Game released You Know What It Is Vol. 3. It was recently that a lawsuit has been filed from a Major India Record Company Saregama India, Timbaland, co-producer Nate "Danja" Hills, the Game, Interscope Records, along with a few other Production companies are being sued for using an uncleared sample from artist.{{Cite web |url=http://allhiphop.com/blogs/news/archive/2007/08/29/18500887.aspx |title=AllHipHop.com Daily News - : The Game, Timbaland, Sued Over 'Put You On The Game' |access-date=2010-12-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090108191000/http://allhiphop.com/blogs/news/archive/2007/08/29/18500887.aspx |archive-date=2009-01-08 |url-status=live }} The music video features the Game with many appearances by his current and former Black Wall Street affiliates. The video shows various places in Los Angeles County; including downtown Los Angeles and Compton. The music video showed these landmarks down at Los Angeles such as Staples Center, the Watts Towers, and LAX. The Game refers to a number of artists, songs and albums in "Put You on the Game"; including The Chronic, N.W.A, Makaveli, the Notorious B.I.G., Public Enemy, Flavor Flav, G-Unit, 50 Cent, Dr. Dre and his song "Let Me Ride", Eve, and Snoop Dogg. During the DVD Stop Snitchin, Stop Lyin, the Game watches the video for this song pausing at specific spots in the video which shows a dead man on the ground blocked off by police tape. The Game then repeatedly states that he is wearing G-Unit sneakers, a diss at 50 Cent saying his career is dead. Damon Johnson directed the music video. Entertainment Weekly called it a "club track so crunkalicious, it's almost shocking that a California newbie — not a Ludacris — was the recipient of its deep-fried Southern charms." The song was placed 44th on about.com's Best Hip-Hop Songs of 2005.

Critical reception

{{Music ratings

| MC = 72/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/the-documentary/the-game|title=Reviews for The Documentary by The Game|publisher=Metacritic|access-date=September 17, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104153429/http://www.metacritic.com/music/the-documentary/the-game|archive-date=November 4, 2012|url-status=live}}

| rev1 = AllMusic

| rev1Score = {{rating|4|5}}{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-documentary-mw0000141118|title=The Documentary – The Game|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=September 17, 2007|last=Kellman|first=Andy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619124421/http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-documentary-mw0000141118|archive-date=June 19, 2012|url-status=live}}

| rev2 = Blender

| rev2Score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite journal|title=The Game: The Documentary|journal=Blender|issue=35|date=April 2005|page=118}}

| rev3 = Entertainment Weekly

| rev3Score = B+{{cite magazine|title=The Game: The Documentary|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=January 28, 2005|last=Fiore|first=Raymond|page=82}}

| rev4 = Los Angeles Times

| rev4Score = {{Rating|3|4}}{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-jan-23-ca-rackoberst23-story.html|title=A game effort at rap stardom|work=Los Angeles Times|date=January 23, 2005|access-date=April 26, 2010|last=Dreisinger|first=Baz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802090354/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-jan-23-ca-rackoberst23-story.html|archive-date=August 2, 2019|url-status=live}}

| rev5 = NME

| rev5Score = 8/10{{cite journal|title=The Game: The Documentary|journal=NME|date=January 29, 2005|page=59}}

| rev6 = Pitchfork

| rev6Score = 8.3/10{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/3663-the-documentary/|title=The Game: The Documentary|work=Pitchfork|date=January 18, 2005|access-date=September 17, 2007|last=Breihan|first=Tom|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090318124804/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/3663-the-documentary/|archive-date=March 18, 2009|url-status=live}}

| rev7 = Rolling Stone

| rev7Score = {{Rating|3|5}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/6784907/the_documentary|title=The Game: The Documentary|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=February 10, 2005|access-date=September 29, 2007|last=Brackett|first=Nathan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012174435/http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/6784907/the_documentary|archive-date=October 12, 2007|url-status=dead}}

| rev8 = Spin

| rev8Score = B+{{cite journal|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=u2f8puPMUSsC&pg=PA92|title=Breakdown|journal=Spin|volume=21|issue=3|date=March 2005|access-date=August 2, 2019|page=92}}

| rev9 = USA Today

| rev9Score = {{Rating|3.5|4}}{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/reviews/2005-01-17-listen-up_x.htm|title=The Game, The Documentary|work=USA Today|date=January 18, 2005|access-date=May 16, 2011|last=Jones|first=Steve|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060302181932/http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/reviews/2005-01-17-listen-up_x.htm|archive-date=March 2, 2006|url-status=live}}

| rev10 = The Village Voice

| rev10Score = C−{{cite news|url=http://www.robertchristgau.com/xg/cg/cgv405-05.php|title=Consumer Guide: Ignorants and Know-Alls Keep Out|work=The Village Voice|date=April 19, 2005|access-date=September 29, 2007|last=Christgau|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Christgau|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130816002930/http://robertchristgau.com/xg/cg/cgv405-05.php|archive-date=August 16, 2013|url-status=live}}

}}

The Documentary received generally positive reviews. On Metacritic, The Documentary received an aggregate score of 72 out of 100 based on 19 reviews. Pitchfork Media called it "the best West Coast street-rap album since DJ Quik's 2002 LP Under tha Influence" and described the production as "a rich, triumphant sonic tapestry". Allmusic wrote the album was an "excellent debut" that "hints at a lot of potential" and observed the "most remarkable aspect of the Game is how he can be such a blatant product of gangsta rap... and leave a mark so fast." Rolling Stone noted the Game was "going for emotional impact rather than dazzling wordplay or laughs" and PopMatters described him as "a self-conscious, malicious, nihilistic gangsta rapper with a heart and lyrical content". On the other hand, Robert Christgau believed the album was "dull even when he isn't describing his medical problems, this no-talent is masscult rock at its most brazen". The A.V. Club praised the production for being "a sonic classic of slow-rolling G-funk and glossy hyper-soul", but panned the Game for his name dropping, suggesting if he "cut all the references to rappers and albums... it'd be a good 15 to 20 minutes shorter—and probably a lot more compelling." Billboard declared it "one of the best rap albums of the year""[https://web.archive.org/web/20050306180454/http://www.billboard.com/bb/reviews/album_article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000779483 The Documentary]". Billboard (February 5, 2007). Accessed October 7, 2007. and Entertainment Weekly suggested "with the brightest hip-hop stars aligning for him, the Game may have willed himself a popular masterpiece."

IGN criticized the large number of guest appearances, stating "the propensity of guest artists makes it hard to actually get a grasp on the rising star's own voice." MusicOMH observed "like many rap albums The Documentary is too long, but it maintains a high level of interest" and overall, it was "an impressive effort" that "introduces a strong presence to the West Coast".Hogwood, Ben (January 24, 2005). "[http://www.musicomh.com/albums/game.htm The Game - The Documentary (Interscope)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012184756/http://www.musicomh.com/albums/game.htm |date=2007-10-12 }}". musicOMH.com. Accessed October 7, 2007. Stylus Magazine wrote "no one disappoints" and despite the record being "so obviously and deeply grounded in marketing, it's still an outstandingly solid and enjoyable" debut. The New York Times noted the Game's "tough but straightforward rhyme style is appealing but not, usually, enthralling... This is a rapper who almost never forgets himself, who almost never loses himself in syllables just for the fun of it."Sanneh, Kelefa (January 19, 2005). "[https://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/19/arts/music/19game.html?_r=1&n=Top%2FReference%2FTimes%20Topics%2FPeople%2FD%2FDr.%20Dre&oref=slogin Hot Ambition, Twinned With a Hot Ear for the West Coast Spirit]". The New York Times. Accessed October 7, 2007. The Village Voice criticized the rapper's lyrical skills, saying, "the Game's rhymes are about six degrees from totally artless".Tate, Greg (February 25, 2005). "[http://www.villagevoice.com/music/0509,tate,61513,22.html MCs Are Paid, Not Born] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080607180410/http://www.villagevoice.com/music/0509,tate,61513,22.html |date=2008-06-07 }}". The Village Voice. Accessed October 1, 2007. Yahoo! Music also panned the lyrics for "almost totally lacking in shock value, humour or insight", but praised the production, writing that "musically, this is probably the greatest major label hip-hop album of recent years – a near faultless succession of hi-tech beats and ominously catchy hooks".

=Accolades=

The album appeared on numerous music critics' and publications' end-of-year albums lists. Pitchfork Media placed the album at number 35 on their list of Top 50 Albums of 2005.{{cite web |url=http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/6222-top-50-albums-of-2005/2/ |title=Top 50 Albums of 2005 |access-date=February 25, 2011 |year=2005 |publisher=Pitchfork Media |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110303123241/http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/6222-top-50-albums-of-2005/2/ |archive-date=March 3, 2011 |url-status=live }} At the 48th Annual Grammy Awards, the Game was nominated with a total of two nominations, including Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for the smash single "Hate It or Love It".{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/awards/grammys/2005-12-08-grammy-list-nominations_x.htm|title=Complete list of Grammy Award nominations|date=2005-12-08|work=USA Today|access-date=2017-09-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426205746/http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/awards/grammys/2005-12-08-grammy-list-nominations_x.htm|archive-date=2012-04-26|url-status=live}} In 2012 Complex named the album one of the classic albums of the last decade.{{Cite web | title = The Game, The Documentary (2005) — 25 Rap Albums From the Past Decade That Deserve Classic Status | publisher = Complex | url = http://www.complex.com/music/2012/12/25-rap-albums-from-the-past-decade-that-deserve-classic-status/game-the-documentary | access-date = 8 December 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121209013541/http://www.complex.com/music/2012/12/25-rap-albums-from-the-past-decade-that-deserve-classic-status/game-the-documentary | archive-date = 9 December 2012 | url-status = live }}

Commercial performance

The Game is often credited as a driving force in bringing the West Coast hip hop scene back to recognition.Osorio, Kim (March 21, 2006). "[https://web.archive.org/web/20060324060932/http://www.bet.com/Music/GAME%2BPlaytime%2BIs%2BOver.htm?wbc_purpose=Basic&WBCMODE=PresentationUnpublished Game: Playtime Is Over]". BET. Accessed October 7, 2007.Hope, Clover (February 18, 2005). "[http://allhiphop.com/blogs/news/archive/2005/02/18/18129758.aspx XXL Spotlights West Coast Hip-Hop In March Issue] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071106065519/http://allhiphop.com/blogs/news/archive/2005/02/18/18129758.aspx |date=2007-11-06 }}". AllHipHop. Accessed October 7, 2007. Before its release, he expressed his desire to have high opening week sales, saying, "I want to sell a million albums in my first week. And if I only sell one album the following week, I'm good." He also admitted feeling nervous about not being able to live up to the industry expectations, saying, "Yeah, I've got some butterflies. I'm worried about my first-week numbers, and I'm worried about living up to the hype." The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 586,000 copies in the first week.Montgomery, James (January 26, 2005). "[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1496275/20050126/eminem.jhtml Straight Outta Compton, Straight to #1: Game Tops Albums Chart] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100426184549/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1496275/20050126/eminem.jhtml |date=2010-04-26 }}". MTV. Accessed September 7, 2007. The Recording Industry Association of America certified the album double Platinum on March 23, 2005, and it was the tenth best-selling record of the year.Jenison, David (January 4, 2006). "[http://music.yahoo.com/read/news/28106564 Carey Caps '05 by Capping Fiddy] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060628233528/http://music.yahoo.com/read/news/28106564 |date=2006-06-28 }}". Yahoo! Music. Accessed October 8, 2007. As of March 2005, the album has sold over 2.5 million units in the United States.Hilburn, Robert (September 23, 2007). "[http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/music/la-ca-dre23sep23,0,1721511,full.story?coll=la-home-entertainment Dr. Dre, mix marathon man] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011005039/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/music/la-ca-dre23sep23,0,1721511,full.story?coll=la-home-entertainment |date=2007-10-11 }}". Los Angeles Times. Accessed October 8, 2007.

The Documentary peaked at the top fifteen in most European charts it entered. It peaked at number seven on the UK Albums Chart and remained on the chart for thirty-three weeks. It reached the top ten in the Netherlands, France, Ireland, Switzerland, and the top twenty in Belgium, Germany, and Norway."[http://acharts.us/album/13725 World Chart Positions] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725160902/http://acharts.us/album/13725 |date=2015-07-25 }}". aCharts.us. Accessed September 8, 2007. The album topped the Canadian Albums Chart for three weeks and on March 8, 2005, it was certified Platinum with 100,000 units shipped."[http://www.cria.ca/gold/0305_g.php Audio Certifications March 2005] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100325203528/http://www.cria.ca/gold/0305_g.php |date=2010-03-25 }}". CRIA. Accessed September 8, 2007. It has since sold over five million copies worldwide.Jackson, Kevin (October 24, 2006). "[http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/TeenAge/html/20061023T200000-0500_114403_OBS_THE_GAME_S_NEW_ALBUM_DOCTOR_S_ADVOCATE_DROPS_ON_NOVEMBER___.asp The Game's new album Doctor's Advocate drops on November 14]". The Jamaica Observer. Accessed September 8, 2007. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926230136/http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/TeenAge/html/20061023T200000-0500_114403_OBS_THE_GAME_S_NEW_ALBUM_DOCTOR_S_ADVOCATE_DROPS_ON_NOVEMBER___.asp |date=September 26, 2007 }}

Track listing

{{Track listing

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| title1 = Intro

| extra1 = {{flatlist|

}}

| length1 = 0:32

| title2 = Westside Story

| note2 = featuring 50 Cent

| writer2 = {{flatlist|

}}

| extra2 = {{flatlist|

  • Dr. Dre
  • Storch

}}

| length2 = 3:43

| title3 = Dreams

| writer3 = {{flatlist|

}}

| extra3 = West

| length3 = 4:46

| title4 = Hate It or Love It

| note4 = featuring 50 Cent

| writer4 = {{flatlist|

| extra4 = {{flatlist|

}}

| length4 = 3:26

| title5 = Higher

| writer5 = {{flatlist|

}}

| extra5 = {{flatlist|

  • Dr. Dre
  • Batson

}}

| length5 = 4:05

| title6 = How We Do

| note6 = featuring 50 Cent

| writer6 = {{flatlist|

  • Taylor
  • Jackson
  • Young
  • Elizondo

}}

| extra6 = {{flatlist|

  • Dr. Dre
  • Elizondo

}}

| length6 = 3:55

| title7 = Don't Need Your Love

| note7 = featuring Faith Evans

| writer7 = {{flatlist|

}}

| extra7 = {{flatlist|

  • Havoc
  • Dr. Dre{{ref|a|[a]}}

}}

| length7 = 4:26

| title8 = Church for Thugs

| writer8 = {{flatlist|

}}

| extra8 = Just Blaze

| length8 = 4:00

| title9 = Put You on the Game

| writer9 = {{flatlist|

}}

| extra9 = {{flatlist|

}}

| length9 = 4:14

| title10 = Start from Scratch

| note10 = featuring Marsha Ambrosius

| writer10 = {{flatlist|

}}

| extra10 = {{flatlist|

  • Dr. Dre
  • Storch

}}

| length10 = 4:07

| title11 = The Documentary

| writer11 = {{flatlist|

}}

| extra11 = {{flatlist|

  • Bhasker
  • Reed{{ref|b|[b]}}

}}

| length11 = 4:11

| title12 = Runnin{{'-}}

| note12 = featuring Tony Yayo and Dion

| writer12 = {{flatlist|

}}

| extra12 = Hi-Tek

| length12 = 4:26

| title13 = No More Fun and Games

| writer13 = {{flatlist|

  • Taylor
  • Smith

}}

| extra13 = Just Blaze

| length13 = 2:37

| title14 = We Ain't

| note14 = featuring Eminem

| writer14 = {{flatlist|

}}

| extra14 = {{flatlist|

}}

| length14 = 4:46

| title15 = Where I'm From

| note15 = featuring Nate Dogg

| writer15 = {{flatlist|

}}

| extra15 = Focus...

| length15 = 3:08

| title16 = Special

| note16 = featuring Nate Dogg

| writer16 = {{flatlist|

}}

| extra16 = Needlz

| length16 = 3:57

| title17 = Don't Worry

| note17 = featuring Mary J. Blige

| writer17 = {{flatlist|

}}

| extra17 = {{flatlist|

  • Dr. Dre
  • Elizondo

}}

| length17 = 4:11

| title18 = Like Father, Like Son

| note18 = featuring Busta Rhymes

| writer18 = {{flatlist|

}}

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = Special edition bonus track

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| total_length =

| title19 = Til’ The Wheels Fall Off

| note19 = featuring Mr. Porter

| writer19 = {{hlist|Taylor|Denaun Porter|Jonathan Reuven Rotem}}

| extra19 = Mr. Porter

| length19 = 3:17

}}

;Notes

  • {{sup|{{note|a|[a]}}}} signifies an additional producer.
  • {{sup|{{note|b|[b]}}}} signifies a co-producer.

;Sample credits

Information taken from The Documentary{{'s}} liner notes."{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20071106095826/http://hurricane-game.net/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=10 The Documentary (Compton Collector's Edition)]}}". Hurricane Game. Accessed January 6, 2008.

Personnel

Credits for The Documentary adapted from Allmusic.[{{AllMusic|class=album|id=the-documentary-r727123/credits|pure_url=yes}} Credits: The Documentary]. Allmusic. Retrieved on 2010-12-28.

{{div col}}

  • 50 Cent – executive producer, writer, vocals
  • Marcella "Ms. Lago" Araica – assistant engineer
  • Mark Batson – producer
  • Steve Baughman – engineer
  • Jeff Bhasker – musician, producer
  • Jose Borges – assistant engineer
  • David Brown – assistant engineer
  • Buckwild – producer
  • Tony Campana – engineer
  • Demacio Castellon – engineer
  • Mark Catson – keyboards
  • Larry Chatman – production coordination
  • Kevin "KD" Davis – engineer
  • DJ Hi-Tek – engineer, producer
  • Michael Dobmeier – assistant engineer
  • Dr. Dre – executive producer, mixing, producer
  • Jimmy Douglas – mixing
  • Mike Elizondo – bass, keyboards, musician
  • Eminem – mixing, producer, vocals
  • Focus... – musician, producer
  • Scott Gutierrez – assistant engineer
  • Robert Hannon – engineer
  • Havoc – producer
  • Nathaniel "Danjahandz" Hills – producer
  • Keenan "Kee Note" Holloway – bass
  • Lionel "LJ" Holwan – keyboards
  • Ken Huffnagle – engineer
  • Mauricio "Veto" Irragorri – engineer, mixing
  • Glenn Jefferies – guitar
  • D. Diana Jenkins – vocals
  • Just Blaze – producer
  • Rouble Kapoor – assistant engineer
  • Wayne Kee – guitar
  • Steven King – bass, engineer, guitar, mixing
  • Mike Lynn – A&R
  • Jonathan Mannion – photography
  • Natasha Mathis – vocals
  • Kyla Miller – engineer
  • Needlz – producer
  • Ervin Pope – keyboards
  • Oscar "Filtrate" Ramierez – engineer
  • Jeff Reed – engineer, producer
  • Luis Resto – keyboards, producer
  • Angelo Sanders – A&R
  • Jason Schweitzer – engineer
  • Ed Scratch – engineer
  • Justin Smith – mixing
  • Scott Storch – musician, producer
  • Tank – scratching
  • Jayceon Taylor – writer
  • Timbaland – mixing, producer, vocals
  • Che Vicious – producer
  • Joe Warlick – engineer
  • Kanye West – producer
  • Ryan West – engineer, mixing

{{div col end}}

Charts

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

=Weekly charts=

class="wikitable sortable"

!align="left"|Chart (2005)

!align="left"|Peak
position

{{album chart|Australia|42|album=The Documentary|artist=The Game}}
Australian Urban Albums (ARIA){{cite journal |url=http://www.aria.com.au/issue800.pdf|archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20080222222429/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20050720-0000/issue800.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=2008-02-22|title=ARIA Urban Albums Chart – Week Commencing 27th June 2005 |journal=The ARIA Report|issue=800|date=June 27, 2003|access-date=April 15, 2023|via=National Library of Australia}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

|align="center"|7

{{album chart|Austria|44|album=The Documentary|artist=The Game}}
{{album chart|Flanders|17|album=The Documentary|artist=The Game}}
{{album chart|Wallonia|51|album=The Documentary|artist=The Game}}
{{album chart|BillboardCanada|1|album=The Documentary|artist=The Game}}
{{album chart|Denmark|33|album=The Documentary|artist=The Game}}
{{album chart|Netherlands|10|album=The Documentary|artist=The Game}}
{{album chart|France|7|album=The Documentary|artist=The Game}}
{{album chart|Germany4|11|id=5322|album=The Documentary|artist=The Game}}
{{album chart|Ireland2|6|album=The Documentary|artist=The Game}}
{{album chart|Italy|67|album=The Documentary|artist=The Game}}
{{album chart|New Zealand|3|album=The Documentary|artist=The Game}}
{{album chart|Norway|11|album=The Documentary|artist=The Game}}
{{album chart|Scotland|10|date=20050130|album=The Documentary|artist=The Game}}
{{album chart|Switzerland|8|album=The Documentary|artist=The Game}}
{{album chart|UK2|7|date=20050130|album=The Documentary|artist=The Game}}
{{album chart|UKR&B|1|date=20050130|accessdate=April 15, 2023}}
{{album chart|Billboard200|1|album=The Documentary|artist=The Game}}
{{album chart|BillboardRandBHipHop|1|album=The Documentary|artist=The Game}}
{{album chart|BillboardRap|1|album=The Documentary|artist=The Game}}

{{col-2}}

=Year-end charts=

class="wikitable sortable"
scope="col"|Chart (2005)

!scope="col"|Position

Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders){{cite web|url=https://www.ultratop.be/nl/annual.asp?year=2005&cat=a|title=Jaaroverzichten 2005|publisher=Ultratop|access-date=September 23, 2020}}

| style="text-align:center;"|49

Dutch Albums (Album Top 100){{cite web|url=https://dutchcharts.nl/jaaroverzichten.asp?year=2005&cat=a|title=Jaaroverzichten – Album 2005|website=dutchcharts.nl|access-date=September 23, 2020}}

| style="text-align:center;"|56

French Albums (SNEP){{cite web|url=https://snepmusique.com/les-tops/le-top-de-lannee/top-albums-annee/?annee=2005|title=Top de l'année Top Albums 2005|publisher=SNEP|language=fr|access-date=September 23, 2020}}

| style="text-align:center;"|104

German Albums (Offizielle Top 100){{cite web|url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/charts/album-jahr/for-date-2005|title=Top 100 Album-Jahrescharts|language=de|work=GfK Entertainment|publisher=offiziellecharts.de|access-date=September 23, 2020}}

| style="text-align:center;"|75

New Zealand Albums (RMNZ){{cite web|url=https://aotearoamusiccharts.co.nz/archive/annual-albums/2005-12-31|title=Top Selling Albums of 2005|publisher=Recorded Music NZ|access-date=September 8, 2021}}

| style="text-align:center;"|27

Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade){{cite web|url=http://swisscharts.com/year.asp?key=2005|title=2005 Year End Swiss Albums Chart|year=2005|access-date=2011-03-29|publisher=Swiss Music Charts|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927215238/http://www.swisscharts.com/year.asp?key=2005|archive-date=2012-09-27|url-status=live}}

| style="text-align:center;"|100

UK Albums (OCC){{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/end-of-year-artist-albums-chart/20050109/37502/|title=End of Year Album Chart Top 100 – 2005|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=September 23, 2020}}

| style="text-align:center;"|66

US Billboard 200{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/yearendcharts/2005/tlptitl.jsp|title=2005 Year End Charts: The Billboard 200|date=2005-11-26|access-date=2011-03-30|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121201000746/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/yearendcharts/2005/tlptitl.jsp|archive-date=2012-12-01|url-status=live}}

| style="text-align:center;"|16

US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard){{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2005/top-r-and-b-hip-hop-albums|title=Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2005|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 23, 2020}}

| style="text-align:center;"|5

Worldwide Albums (IFPI){{cite web|url=http://www.ifpi.org/content/library/top50-2005.pdf|title=Top 50 Global Best Selling Albums for 2005|publisher=IFPI|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081117003309/http://www.ifpi.org/content/library/top50-2005.pdf|archive-date=November 17, 2008|access-date=February 2, 2023}}

|style="text-align:center;"|18

{{col-end}}

Certifications

{{Certification Table Top}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|type=album|artist=The Game|title=The Documentary|award=Gold|relyear=2005|certyear=2006|access-date=November 25, 2020}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|type=album|artist=The Game|title=The Documentary|award=Platinum|relyear=2005|certyear=2005|access-date=November 25, 2020}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|artist=The Game|title=The Documentary|award=Platinum|type=album|relyear=2005|certyear=2020|id=9127|access-date=5 October 2021}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|type=album|artist=The Game|title=The Documentary|award=Gold|relyear=2005|certyear=2023|access-date=June 2, 2023}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Ireland|type=album|artist=The Game|title=The Documentary|award=Platinum|relyear=2005|certyear=2005|access-date=November 25, 2020}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|type=album|artist=The Game|title=The Documentary|award=Platinum|relyear=2005|id=2005-07-29|source=newchart|access-date=2024-11-20|certyear=2005}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=album|artist=Game|title=The Documentary|award=Platinum|relyear=2005|certyear=2005|id=6891-763-2|salesamount=413,519|salesref={{cite web|url=http://www.musicweek.com/businessanalysis/read/official-charts-analysis-faithless-only-need-12-341-sales-to-top-album-chart/063157|title=Official Charts Analysis: Faithless only need 12,341 sales to top album chart|last=Jones|first=Alan|date=16 October 2015|work=Music Week|publisher=Intent Media|access-date=17 October 2015|url-access=subscription}}}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|type=album|artist=The Game|title=The Documentary|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=2005|certyear=2005}}

{{Certification Table Bottom | nosales=true|streaming=true}}

References

{{Reflist|30em}}